Crime prevention is student and employee awareness of their environment. It is the willingness to look out for one another and to report suspicious activities immediately to Campus Police. Students and employees must be aware of their surroundings and develop a perception of what seems out of place, or out of the ordinary. Do not take chances, what may appear harmless could be serious. Fortunately, the right attitude, actions and awareness can help protect you and your belongings.

Most crimes that occur on campus are crimes of "opportunity." Here are some ways to avoid being a victim and have a positive learning experience here at City College of San Francisco:

Do not leave personal belongings unattended even for a minute, regardless of location.

Use the buddy system or request a police escort when walking to and from the parking lots.

Avoid dark areas of the campus.

Do not bring large amounts of money or valuables to the college.

Report all suspicious activities to campus police by dialing (415) 239-3200, using the yellow Emergency Call Box or dialing #1 from any payphone on campus.

The increase in burglaries is part of a national trend; and not just a problem at CCSF. The reason burglaries are prolific is because most people often leave their valuables out in the open, giving criminals an opportunity to make you a victim. Thieves can quickly enter vehicles or buildings, often unseen.

What thieves may be looking for:

Lack of detection - Criminals will decide where they have enough time to take the item without being seen. Is the item in plain view and how easy will it be to take the item. The easier it is the more likely the criminal will attempt entry into the vehicle and take the item. Where is the vehicle parked? In a parking lot where people are present and where there may be a security camera; criminals are less likely to try to enter your vehicle. Criminals are looking for that vehicle that is parked on an unused street where no one is around and the criminal can take there time.

How easy is it – Criminals are looking for the opportunity and when you leave doors unlocked or windows open you have given them opportunity to commit the crime. The criminal doesn’t have to waste time trying to use a tool to open the door or break a window to gain entry. The criminal knows his chances of not being discovered are better because there is no noise of breaking glass and less time is needed to commit the crime. Not to mention criminals know that entering an unlocked vehicle is not as serious a crime as having to break into a locked vehicle.

Value of an item – The criminal is looking for the item worth value to them and not you. That spare change may not mean anything to you but it does to a criminal who is trying to pay for there next drug fix. If the item is not visible, now the criminal also has to decide how long it will take to find an item of value, and if one does exist. Many criminals will only go for the sure thing such as a wallet or purse left out in open view; or, they notice when you stashed something prior to exiting the vehicle.

What Can You Do:

Take Out Valuables – If you can leave your valuables at home, do so. Otherwise, when you get to your destination, take valuables with you. If you have to leave them in your vehicle; place them in your trunk before you get to your destination.

Close your windows – Even a slightly open window makes it easier for a criminal to get into your vehicle and an open window will allow a criminal quick & quiet way to reach into your vehicle. Take the time to make sure you closed everything even on these hot days.

Lock your vehicle and set car alarm – When you get out of your vehicle make it a point to reach out to your door handle and make sure the door is locked. If a criminal is watching he will see that you did actual lock your car and will less likely make you his next victim. Remember the criminal is looking for the easy and fast target. Set your car alarm step two or three feet from your car and point the remote at the car and set the alarm. Most car alarms make a noise to indicate it is set. The movement of you pointing the remote and the noise the alarm makes when set will also detour the criminal from trying to enter your vehicle.

Tips for you to remember:

Record your serial numbers and keep then in a safe place in your home. If your valuables are stolen, the officer taking the police report will need the serial numbers so they can put them into the “Automated Property System” (APS). This system can tell an officer anywhere in the U.S who may come across your property that it belongs to you.

Mark your valuables with your Drivers License number because the police can get your name from the Drivers License number but not from a Social Security number.

Use anti-theft devices such as car alarms and locking devices over the steering wheel.